16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
Stephen came on deck, still looking rather
stupid. 'Have you been asleep?'
'Not at all,' said Stephen, 'I very rarely sleep.'
'Well, if you had been asleep, here is a sight
that would wake you even if you were a Letter
to the Ephesians. Look over the leeward quarter.
The leeward quarter.'
'Jesus, Mary and Joseph,' cried Stephen, recognizing
the Franklin at last. 'What a transformation!
She has three tall Christian masts and
a vast great number of sails-what splendour in
the sun! Sails of every kind, I make no doubt,
including topgallant-royals.'
'Exactly so, ha, ha, ha! I never thought it
could have been done in the time. She spread
them not five minutes ago, and already she
has gained on us a cable's length. A neat little
craft, upon my word. We shall have to set our
own. Mr Grainger' – in a louder voice – 'I be-